FMB increases U-20 league sponsorship to K10m

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has signed a new contract agreement with First Merchant Bank (FMB) for the Under-20 Football League which has been increased from K6 million (about $14 285) to K10 million (about $23 809).

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda signed the contract agreement at the bank’s offices in Blantyre.

Nyirenda expressed FAM’s gratitude to FMB for the support towards the development of youth football in the country.

FMB’s Mataka signing the new sponsorship contract agreement

The bank’s marketing manager, Sylvia Mataka, announced the new sponsorship increase because FMB want “more districts to benefit from this competition.”

Mataka, however, pointed out that age-cheating “is a negative connotation that can tarnish our image as a company.”

“So make sure only those within the required age limit participate in this contest. We need to see clean soccer this year,” Mataka, who was accompanied by FMB human resources manager Tonny Chirwa at the function.

National Youth Football Committee (NYFC) chairperson Mabvuto Missi said they have put in place “strong measures” to curb age-cheating.

He disclosed that a committee has been formed on age verification exercise.

Missi said FMB were “true partner” in football development, saying the “we want this marriage between us and FMB to only be separated by death.”

Districts that will have teams in this year’s event are Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, Dedza, Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu City. Previously, only teams from Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu cities participated in the annual contest.